Cisse pleads with Newcastle: Play me at striker

Newcastle United attacker Papiss Cisse wants to play in his favoured striker role next season.

Newcastle United attacker Papiss Cisse wants to play in his favoured striker role next season.

The Senegal international spent the first half of last season playing in an unaccustomed wide right-side role as Demba Ba got the nod through the middle, and memories of his blistering start in English football soon faded.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "I hope to play in my best position as much as I can. My best position is striker.

"I had never played right wing in my life. It was my first time at Newcastle. It was okay because I was doing it for the team.

"It was difficult last year because we were fighting not to go down. The year before, all of the players enjoyed the games and couldn't wait for the next one.

"We tried our best, but we hopefully will have all of our players back, not too many injuries.

"We have a good squad. I enjoy playing for this team. Next season, we will challenge. We have Hatem Ben Arfa, [Moussa] Sissoko and Yohan Cabaye, and the team can challenge at the higher end of the table."